Va*nil"la (?), n. [NL., fr. Sp.
vainilla, dim. of Sp. vaina a sheath, a pod, L.
vagina; because its grains, or seeds, are contained in little
pods.]
1. (Bot.) A genus of climbing orchidaceous
plants, natives of tropical America.
2. The long podlike capsules of Vanilla
planifolia, and V. claviculata, remarkable for their delicate
and agreeable odor, for the volatile, odoriferous oil extracted from them;
also, the flavoring extract made from the capsules, extensively used in
confectionery, perfumery, etc.
&fist; As a medicine, vanilla is supposed to possess powers
analogous to valerian, while, at the same time, it is far more
grateful.
Cuban vanilla, a sweet-scented West Indian
composite shrub (Eupatorium Dalea). -- Vanilla
bean, the long capsule of the vanilla plant. --
Vanilla grass. Same as Holy grass, under
Holy.
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